EU REACH Regulation Limitations on Isopropyl Alcohol?

EU REACH Regulation on Isopropyl Alcohol Restriction Clause Analysis

In the chemical industry, the European Union's REACH Regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals Regulation) strictly regulates the use and production of various chemicals. For many chemicals, particularly isopropyl alcohol (Isopropanol),REACH restrictions have become an important guide that manufacturers, importers and users must follow. What is the restriction clause of the EU REACH regulation on isopropyl alcohol? This article will analyze its related content in detail.

REACH Basic Background

REACH, which entered into force on June 1, 2007, aims to improve and protect human health and the environment, while strengthening the regulation of chemicals and ensuring their safety for the public and the environment. The regulation requires all chemicals sold on the EU market to be registered and to provide the necessary safety data.

Isopropanol Basic Properties and Uses

Isopropanol, also known as 2-propanol, is a widely used solvent. It is mainly used in cleaning agents, disinfectants, coatings, cosmetics, medicine, electronic products cleaning and other fields. Due to its good solubility and volatility, isopropanol is very popular in both industrial and household applications.

EU REACH Regulation on Isopropyl Alcohol

The use of isopropyl alcohol is regulated by REACH regulations, especially in cases involving its mass production, import or special use. Although isopropyl alcohol itself is not included in the substances of very high concern (SVHC) list, its concentration and use in certain applications may be restricted according to EU chemicals regulations.

Do I need to register?

According to the REACH regulation, all chemicals (including isopropanol) sold on the EU market are required to be registered if the annual production or import volume exceeds 1 ton. This means that companies must submit detailed chemical data to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), including information on their physical and chemical properties, uses, exposure assessments, etc., to ensure that they meet the standards for safe use.

PROVISIONS FOR ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL

Although isopropanol, as a common chemical, is not listed as a particularly restricted substance in most cases, REACH regulations still require its use in certain applications. For example, when isopropyl alcohol is used as a disinfectant or cleaning agent, companies need to ensure that its concentration and use methods meet relevant standards to avoid harm to human health or the environment.

The REACH regulation also requires that during the production and sale of isopropanol, companies must conduct chemical safety assessments in accordance with regulations and provide corresponding safety data sheets (SDS) in their products. In some cases, additional restrictions may be imposed if the use of isopropanol involves a high risk, or if there is a significant environmental impact.

Special attention to EU restrictions

Although isopropanol is not subject to strict restrictions in many cases, some EU Member States may impose additional controls on its use, depending on their specific needs. For example, in certain highly sensitive industrial applications, there may be higher requirements for isopropanol usage, emissions and waste disposal.

If isopropyl alcohol is used in combination with other chemicals and the resulting substances may be hazardous to the environment or health, companies will need to comply with the EU regulations on chemical mixtures and carry out additional approvals and tests.

Conclusion

The restrictions on isopropyl alcohol in the EU REACH regulation mainly focus on product registration, use safety and environmental protection. Although isopropanol is not classified as a substance of very high concern for regular applications, its use in certain special applications is still subject to strict EU regulatory requirements. Understanding these restrictions is essential for companies producing and selling isopropanol to ensure compliance with EU regulations and product safety.